Locking container

• US 20060266810A1
• Filed: 05/26/2005
• Published: 11/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC (WestRock Company)
• Original Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC (WestRock Company)
• Inventors: Foushee, Fred
• Application Number:
  US11/138,798
• Publication Number:
  US 20060266810A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 229/101.200
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/0005 of variable capacity
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/5425 and defining after rupture a lid hinged to the upper edge of the container body
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/606 Bags or bag-like tubes loosely glued to the wall of a "tubular" container

Abstract

There is provided a re-closable container that can be reduced in size once a predetermined amount has been removed from the container. Containers according to certain embodiments provide a utility flap that can be used to secure a bag in place, to help prevent moisture from affecting the contents of the container, and to help provide a secure closure for the container.

Claims

1. A locking container adapted to contain an inner bag, the locking container comprising:

(a) a front wall panel, a side wall panel, or both, having an insertion slit;

(b) a back wall panel having an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a line of weakness adapted to form a hinge between the upper and lower portion;

(c) side walls panels having upper portions and lower portions, the side wall panel upper portions comprising a closure flap;

(d) a tear away strip; and

(e) a lid panel,

wherein removal of the tear away strip reveals a utility flap and a locking tab on the front wall panel, and wherein folding the line of weakness causes the upper portion of the back wall to form the top of the container, causes the lid panel to form a front panel, and causes the closure flaps to slide over the side walls,

wherein the utility flap extends from the front wall panel and has a free end over which an inner bag may lie, the utility flap adapted to fold against the front wall panel to crimp inner bag in place as the locking tab is received in the insertion slit upon closure of the locking container.

2. The locking container of claim 1, wherein the locking container is comprised of paperboard.

3. The locking container of claim 1, wherein the locking container is adapted to be shipped in a flat position and assembled on-site.

4. A method for helping to prevent moisture from reaching contents of a container holding items contained within an open bag or for preventing items from spilling out of the open bag, comprising:

(a) providing a container to hold the open bag, the container having a utility flap;

(b) laying an open end of the bag over the utility flap;

(c) crimping the open end around the utility flap and folding the utility flap against the container such that the bag is folded once against the front wall panel and is folded again over the utility flap to be secured against the container.

5. The method of claim 5, wherein the container further comprises a lid that wraps over the utility flap and bag and secures the container in a closed position.